Monday, January 22, 2007

American Beauty Project- Grateful Dead Tribute

Last night was night two of the American Beauty Project at the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center. A whole slew of great artists preformed their own arrangements of Grateful Dead tunes. Night one was "Workingman's Dead" and last night was "American Beauty". The lineup was amazing for a free concert, and featured Jay Farrar, Dar Williams, Jim Lauderdale, Jorma Kaukonen and many more. Here is the full lineup from the show:Box Of Rain - Toshi Reagon with Catherine RussellFriend Of The Devil - Mark Eitzel (American Music Club)Sugar Magnolia - Jim Lauderdale and friendsOperator - Jorma Kaukonen with Barry MitterhoffCandyman - Jay Farrar (Son Volt/Uncle Tupelo)Ripple - Dar Williams and Dan ZanesBrokedown Palace - Ollabelle with Larry CampbellTill The Morning Comes - EspersAttics Of My Life - Larry Campbell with Teresa Williams and Rob BarracoTruckin' - The Jen Chapin Trio

Jay Farrar turned Candyman into a dirge, and gave it the classic Son Volt feel.Ollabelle sounded fantastic backing the always great Jim Lauderdale, and then later on in the show with Larry Campbell, who showed off his multi-instrument skills by playing with several of the acts.The highlight of the evening for me though, was Dar Williams and Dan Zanes. They brought with them a Colombian cumbia band La Cumbiana eNeYe, and was the most accessible arrangement of the night, and the only artists who encouraged the audience to sing along.Espers performing Till The Morning Comes.